Minerva McGonagall

[Sherry]

No: HPFGUIDX 148354

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "sir_lafayette2000" 
<gsopko at ...> wrote:
>
> I believe that McGonagall 
> arrived way too early at Privet Drive and this may well be a clue 
> that Rowling has planted right at the get go of the books.
> ...
> Hagrid had been at Godric's Hollow, knew that [James and Lily] 
were dead yet failed to tell her more than Harry apparently was 
> to be taken to 4 Privet Drive.
> ...

Amontillada:
How exactly do we judge "way too early"? She might be 
considered "too early" because she was there far before Dumbledore, 
but her early arrival might also be considered wisely scouting out 
the territory, or to use the French (and American military) term, 
reconnaisance.

Hagrid probably thought he should McGonagall only the crucial 
information that she needed to know immediately. Moving quickly and 
staying hidden were vital for him, so he couldn't spare the time to 
tell her more; and Hagrid has often shown that he sees Dumbledore as 
being the best one to tell important information.

> In the scene in the Hospital Wing in H-BP after Dumbledore has 
died, 
> when everyone is being transfixed by the phoenix song, it is 
> McGonagall's entrance that breaks the "magic" of this moment.  

Amontillada:
I read this as a classic example of McGonagall's practical, "do what 
must be done" personality. As deeply as she feels the loss, she 
feels the responsibility for continuing the actions that Dumbledore 
considered vital.

> Further Harry refuses to tell her where he and Dumbledore have 
been 
> or what his plans are, even tho she is a member of the Order of 
the 
> Phoenix.
 
Amontillada:
>From the very beginning of HBP, Dumbledore had encouraged Harry to 
share information specifically with Hermione and Ron. Harry has been 
close-mouthed with others, not with McGonagall in particular.

> I suspect that McGonagall was not entirely trusted by Dumbledore 
and 
> may well be a spy for the Ministry of Magic.  Which might also 
> explain her contempt for the High Inquisitor earlier in the story.
 
Amontillada
I'm confused about what you mean. I don't understand how spying for 
the MM might "explain" her contempt for Umbridge. Can you explain 
more about what you mean?

I like to discuss McGonagall. As you may have guessed, I see her as 
on the side of good.

Amontillada